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There seems to be two different styles of tie rod ends listed in catalogues for the NA. One which dips down and one which is straight.

Dip style:



Straight style:



Is it just a matter or replace with the style that is already there is or is one style preferred for some situations? e.g. I thought the dipped style may suit lowered vehicles to compensate for the hubs being higher in relation to the steering racks position than standard height.

One type is for low cars, someone will have to confirm which as I cannot remember, 95% sure the straight is normal and bent is lowered.

Dann

Do standard MX-5's really have straight tie rod's like pictured???

There are 2 OEM part Numbers I know of.
Standard Type: NA01-32-280
Lowered Type: N021-32-280A

Supposedly all MX-5's had the normal ones except for some NA models.
Not sure which Aussie NA's had the lowered type, possibly Clubmans? Only can confirm USA 93 LE and 94-97 R model had them.

Only thing is, I ordered the Lowered type for my SE, removed my originals(they did not want to come out!!!) and they looked the same.
Apparently you don't see the difference easily, as the difference in geometry is because of the stud hidden by the rubber boot or so says the miata forums.
I wish I knew that before swapping mine out to compare it more carefully.

That is why I am questioning that straight one pictured.

Luke wrote:Supposedly all MX-5's had the normal ones except for some NA models.
Not sure which Aussie NA's had the lowered type, possibly Clubmans? Only can confirm USA 93 LE and 94-97 R model had them.

Ah yes, I had previously read that the USA R and ADM Clubmans had a different type. I have also seen some ads describing this one as Bilstein equiped vehicles. So three types then.

I bought new ones just recently and remember there were 2 types but I don't recall either being straight. One was just a few mm longer than the other which gave a little more room for adjustment. Most wouldn't notice the difference without them side by side.

The straight type are not for any na/nb mx5. Probably a product code error or bad part no'.
As stated there is a standard type that are inclined up and another type for LE and other limited models listed above that push a few degrees more to limit bump steer with loaded/compressed suspension cornering.
Both look fairly similar, "Le" type has an obvious increase in angle when both types held together.

USDM 1993 NA6 LE, USDM NA8 R Package & ADM NA8 Clubman were all fitted with Bilsteins, on which the spring perch was about 15mm lower than standard dampers. As a result the alternative tie rod end was fitted to these Bilstein equipped NAs.

As above, I think they've buggered up the part listing. (or have just used a generic photo, which happens)
Never seen the straight shank one on any MX, seen the curves ones on them all.


Regardless, check the ones on your car and replace with the same style.

Yep as above, any car which had bilsteins from the factory had the tie rod to match. there's a newer version of the part number which has superseded what came out in the old part catalogues. I believe it help reduces bump steer.


I ended up overbuying but will do a review soon when my car is back together.

Hi everyone
I have purchased a set of straight style tie rod ends (Protex TE926-12) for my 92 NA as per Protex catalog. Then I realised the pair on my car is the type with the bent. I am wondering if the straight one still fits and appreciate any feedback from the fellow blogger who have tried the straight type.
Thank you in advance.

I don't trust the Protex catalogue.
It lists TE926-12 for the NA.
But for NB it lists TE8132.
As far as I can tell TE926-12 is for various Nissan Silvia's.

NA and NB have the same OEM part number!!!
All MX-5's have angled rods.
Return those Protex units and get your money back if you can.
I don't even want to think what they will do to the steering feel. The OEM parts have that angle for steering geometry.
Quick google search tells me S13 Silvia ends which is basically what you have will make the car feel like it is darting all over the place.

Buy Mazda OEM parts and you cannot go wrong.
You can get them through Amayama instead of Mazda.

Standard
https://www.amayama.com/en/part/mazda/na0132280

R Model, Suits lowered cars.
https://www.amayama.com/en/part/mazda/n02132280a

Also don’t trust the Protex numbering on the box, as it often doesn’t match the part inside!!!

I replaced the tie rod and steering rack end on my NB8B and it took three goes to get the correct rack end in the box that matched the part number on the outside.